Why, hello. I hope you're enjoying my story so far! I've got all the plotlines for the chapters planned out now (yeah, I know, weird…but I have lots of thinking time before I go to sleep…it takes me a while to get to sleep…anywho…) so all I need to do is make them come to life on paper—er—Internet? It might take a while, though…I've got this huge battle scene and its aftermath permanently stamped on the inside of my brain and it won't seem to go away. I'm open to any ideas you may have for this story, though I do have a good idea of how I want it to end, I'm flexible. I might even name another character after you…who knows…also, I am aware that I didn't mention Fleur in the last chapter, that was stupid of me…I'm sorry. Just pretend that she was there…she'll make an appearance this chapter…
Diclaimer: J. K. Rowling owns all content, characters and properties (save for Helaena, and Featherfinger owns her, not I).
"V-Viktor?" Hermione croaked, spinning quickly to face the Bulgarian standing in the doorway.
"I am sorry if I vas a little late, Herm-own-ninny," Viktor said empathetically, before crossing the room and hugging her tightly. Hermione did not, as Ron had desperately hoped, push him away; she did quite the opposite, in fact, and hugged him back.
Ron felt as if somebody had cranked up the heat in the room to full blast. His tightly clenched fists were trembling and white with anger.
"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING?" Ron bellowed, causing Viktor and Hermione to break apart and look round at him, surprised. Viktor did not seem to have noticed Ron at all up till that point.
"Vat is vrong?" Viktor asked confusedly. Hermione shot Ron a death glare, but he continued.
"I'll tell you what's wrong!" he spat, aware of the curious crowd that had gathered in the door to the living room. "You're—you're—"
"Let me guess," Hermione said viciously. "Fraternizing with the enemy?" She raised her wand and the door slammed, shutting all the people out. She then placed a Silencing Charm on it.
"Exactly!" One part of him was screaming to stop, and another was urging him on…
"Enemy?" Viktor still looked puzzled. "Vat? Vare is this enemy?"
"Who gave you rights to come here?" Ron yelled.
Viktor looked astounded. "Vhy, I vanted to see my Hermione off—"
Hermione flushed, looking uncomfortable. "Please, Viktor, don't call—"
"YOUR Hermione!" Ron was completely freaking out now. "What makes her YOUR Hermione?"
Viktor had just begun to look very angry. Now, all traces of anger vanished and were replaced with a look of defeat.
"I see," he said quietly, looking from Ron to Hermione. "Then there—there is something between you and Ron, Herm-own-ninny?"
"NO!" Hermione cried. "No, Viktor, there's nothing going on! NOTHING!" Hermione's hands flew to cover her red face, splotched with new tears, and she rushed out to the porch, sobbing.
"Vat vas that all about?" Viktor asked Ron politely. Ron, though he secretly was wondering the same thing, fired up again.
"You know what that's all about!" he said loudly.
Viktor shook his head honestly. "I'm afraid I do not…Herm-own-ninny has told me a lot about you—this is vhy I came to believe that there was something more between you…"
Ron softened. Hermione talked about him?
"She also sent me a picture—" Viktor drew a photo out from his pocket and handed it to Ron. He looked at it, to see Hermione, Harry and himself sitting by the lake, laughing and waving. He remembered Colin taking that photo, on the first day of seventh year.
"You know, vhen I first came to your Hogvarts I vas convinced that Herm-own-ninny vas vith your friend, Harry," Viktor commented. Ron looked up in surprise.
"But she convinced me othervise. She told me that there was nothing going on betveen them. But I vas not so sure about you, Ron," Viktor continued, looking at him suddenly. "In this photo it is clear from the way you look at Herm-own-ninny that you have feelings for her that are more than friendship…" Viktor trailed off.
"I DO NOT!" Ron exclaimed—then took a second look at the photo. Indeed, he was stealing contented glances at her every so often…
"I haff been meaning to ask you about this," Viktor said in a deadly whisper. "Vat is there between you and Herm-own-ninny—and vat do you vant there to be?"
Ron's shoulders sagged helplessly. "There's nothing between me and Hermione except friendship—and I'm not even sure of that anymore," he added, looking to where Hermione had disappeared and carefully avoiding the second part of the question.
"Vell, I believe you…but vat about my other question?" Viktor pressed.
"I don't like her like that!" Ron stated. Viktor responded with a disbelieving look.
"I do not like people who lie," Viktor said slowly. "I know how you feel about Herm-own-ninny. And—and I now fear that she—feels the same."
Ron gaped at him. "N-No. You're wrong. Hermione doesn't…I mean, there's no way she could ever—love me…"
Viktor half-laughed. "So you admit your feelings, then?"
Ron seemed to be doing a very good impression of a fish. "No, I mean, yes—I mean—"
"I must talk with Herm-own-ninny now. Alone." Viktor left abruptly, leaving Ron with only the photograph that he was still gripping. Hermione had given this to—to that Bulgarian git. Without a second thought he tore it into sixteenths and tossed the pieces unmercifully into the fire.
"Herm-own-ninny?"
Hermione whipped her head out from where it rested in her hands and swiped at her bloodshot eyes in an attempt to dry her tears. She rose quickly from her lawn chair as Viktor approached her carefully.
"I'm sorry, Viktor," she said brokenly, without meeting his gaze. Instead, she turned her glistening eyes towards the gray sky through the thick sheets of rain. Viktor gently cupped her chin and turned it so her eyes met his.
"Ve need to talk," he said seriously.
"Al-All right," she stuttered, uncertain of what else to say. Viktor let her towards the swinging bench that the Weasleys had recently acquired. It was adorned with a fluffy, patchy, obviously homemade cushion. He sat her down, took the spot beside her, and leaned forward, hands clasped and elbows on knees.
"I haff spoken with your—friend Ron," Viktor said quietly. Hermione could only nod.
"Vat do you feel about him, Herm-own-ninny?" Viktor said quickly. As his head turned rapidly to catch her gaze, thunder rumbled across the sky.
"F-Feel?" Hermione repeated carefully. "Honestly, Viktor, I don't really feel anything towards him now—"
"You are lying to me, Herm-own-ninny," Viktor whispered.
Hermione sighed, relenting. "I'm sorry…I do feel things towards him, loads of things."
Viktor looked crushed. "I see…and…love is amongst these…?"
"No! No, no, no, Viktor, that's not what I meant at all," Hermione cried, while trying to hide the color seeping into her cheeks. "I only meant that—well, sometimes he just makes me so mad…and then other times he's a great friend…I don't know…"
"I think that a little part of you does know vat you feel," Viktor said. "Please, Herm-own-ninny…I need to know."
"Well…he just…sometimes he can be a complete git…but a part of me, a little part of me, can't get mad at him, and that's partially what gets me so frustrated…I don't know what it is about him that does that, but…"
"Herm-own-ninny," Viktor said quietly, staring her down. "Vat do you feel about—about me?"
Hermione lost all hope of avoiding the situation. "Oh, Viktor…back then I was so immature…you were the first person to treat me like a lady…I felt loved when I was with you. But now—Ro—er, other boys still don't act like that towards me, like I was a kind of delicate, rare flower…I loved being treated like that. But…oh, Viktor, I'm so sorry, but…I can't be with you. It's so hard to explain…"
"It is Ron," Viktor breathed sadly, looking away. "Do not deny it again, Herm-own-ninny."
Hermione's heart sank; she had hoped he wouldn't figure anything out. "I can't lie to you anymore, Viktor," she whispered. "I can't deny it…I'm so, so sorry. Even if—even if it will never happen…"
"I understand," Viktor said, standing. "I understand completely. Goodbye, Herm-own-ninny." He hugged her loosely, then turned on the spot and vanished, leaving her to stand there and allow a single tear to trickle down her cheek.
After he'd watched the photograph burn into ashes, Ron had considered listening in on Hermione and Krum's conversation, but had thought better of it when he recalled the awful image of Hermione bursting into tears and rushing away. How many times had he caused tears to leak out of those beautiful eyes? How many times had he sprung into his overprotective state for her?
Suddenly a loud CRACK that reverberated out on the porch startled him. Krum was gone. Ron nervously started towards the porch, ready with a thousand apologies, none of which seemed anywhere close to what he wanted to say.
He found her sitting on the swinging bench. He had only to take two steps towards her when the board under his foot creaked and she immediately looked up. The pain and depression in her eyes was too much for Ron to bear. He began to back away, but Hermione spoke first:
"Please talk to me."
Her voice was so desperate that he had to oblige. He cautiously moved towards the bench and sat next to her.
"Look, Hermione—" he started to say, and then trailed off. He opened his mouth again and closed it.
"I—Viktor said you spoke with him." There was a hitch in her voice.
"Yes."
"What did you talk about?"
Ron paused. Here was yet another chance to tell her…
"Um, well…he asked me…about…listen, Hermione, I don't think this is the right time, I mean, I really want to talk to you about some things."
She nodded, eyes overcast and dull, matching the horizon.
"Please look at me," he said quietly. She turned her eyes to him slowly.
"Well…um…I don't know exactly how to say this but…I am really, really sorry…I mean, it's just that…when he showed up again…amongst everything else I just couldn't handle it. I was completely out of line, and I understand if you never want to speak to me again, or anything…"—he cleared his throat—"And I also understand if you and Krum are…together…"
He couldn't quite bring himself to look at her until she spoke. When she did, there was renewed sadness in her voice.
"Oh, Ron…I…how could I ever do that to you? You're…I mean…no matter how much of a git you are sometimes, I could never, ever do something like that…"
Ron's eyes filled with depression. "But Krum…he kissed you, didn't he?"
The edges of Hermione's mouth twitched upwards in a shadow of a smile. "No, Ron, he didn't. Even if he had tried, I wouldn't have let him. I explained…I talked with him about our relationship…we're just friends, okay? Just friends."
Ron visibly deflated with relief. "But…why?"
Hermione looked down. "I…I can't really say…but he put two and two together…"
"I'm sorry, Hermione," he said again, voice cracking a little. "I'm too protective of you…I've been horrible to you…if you want me to leave now, I will."
Hermione shook her head, gulping. "No, Ron," she said, voice breaking completely. "Please. I forgive you, but I need…I need support right now…support that Viktor can't give me."
Ron nodded, feeling tears well up in his own eyes, and pulled her close to him, rocking her gently. Both tried to ignore the peculiar feeling of fireworks exploding beneath their skin.
"I'm scared, Ron," Hermione whispered.
"Me, too," Ron agreed. "But if we stick together, it'll be okay. And…don't forget, I'm always—always—here for you, whether you like it or not. I'm going to keep you safe."
"Oh, look!" Ginny cried excitedly. Harry grinned at her. Ginny sighed happily.
"Come on, just kiss her, you dolt," Fred muttered.
"Really, give them some privacy," Mrs. Weasley said angrily, wiping her tears with a lacy handkerchief and attempting to steer away Harry, Ginny, Fred, George, Luna and Neville, all of whom were crowded around the kitchen window, observing the little scene outside.
"Insensitive prat," Ginny muttered, punching Fred's shoulder, before grabbing Harry and Luna's upper arms. "Come on, Mum's right, leave them alone. In any case, Ron's definitely not going to make another move…he's already gone over his limit for tonight…"
Ten minutes later, Ron and Hermione came back into the kitchen, Hermione slightly puffy-eyed. Mrs. Weasley looked away from her conversation with Helaena and smiled.
"There you two are. I was wondering what was taking you so long." Mrs. Weasley had a motherly look on her face as she eyed the teenagers.
"Mums," Ron muttered, feeling the other guests throwing them knowing looks.
"Well, since it's getting rather late, I think we should enjoy ourselves with the time…the time we have left," Mrs. Weasley finished her sentence firmly. "How about some music?"
"Oh, not that awful Celestina Warbeck again," George complained loudly. Mrs. Weasley gave him a death glare.
"No, I'm not going to put Celestina on," Mrs. Weasley snapped. "Harry has given me this lovely Muggle item…he even selected some songs…" Mrs. Weasley held up Hermione's boom box. Hermione did not even bother to tell Mrs. Weasley anything, and instead made a mental note to get revenge.
"Well, I will 'elp clear ze dance floor," Fleur said, trying to sound cheerful. Hermione smiled at how hard Fleur was trying; she'd warmed up to the French girl, as had the rest of the family.
When the chairs were gathered to one side and the rug was slumped in a roll against the wall, Mrs. Weasley announced, "Well, I think somebody should open the dancing…how about…Harry? Ginny?"
Harry shook his head hastily; he did not want to be the center of attention while in close proximity to Ginny.
"Oh, well…Neville and Luna, what about you?"
"S-Sure," Neville said, taking Luna's hand and leading her towards the cleared space. Mrs. Weasley looked uncertainly at the boom box, and Harry jumped up to help her. Arthur Weasley also rushed over, interested to look at a new Muggle device.
"Now, anybody else can join in whenever they feel like it…all right, Harry, start it up!"
Harry pressed a button and some lively music began playing. Everybody save for Harry, Hermione and Helaena stared at it, astounded. Neville and Luna did the same, before jumping to their senses and dancing. After about a minute Tonks managed to drag Remus onto the dance floor. Harry then felt it was safe—after all, it was very bopsy music—and turned to Ginny, nervous for some reason.
"Uh, Ginny…d'you want to dance?" he asked.
Ginny smiled. "Sure."
Ron and Hermione watched as Charlie and Helaena joined in, then Bill and Fleur, the latter of whom was dancing rather awkwardly due to her large belly, and finally Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Mad-eye Moody merely looked on with an amused eye, the other one swiveling in its socket. Fred and George joined too, pretending to dance in such a funny way that all the other couples were laughing.
Suddenly, the music changed to a slow, enchanting piece, and Fred and George darted off. Fleur sat down, quite red-faced. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley left too, as if to watch the others.
Harry felt very uncomfortable; he could feel Charlie watching him over Helaena's shoulder. But when he glanced over at Mrs. Weasley, she smiled at him reassuringly. Ginny slid her arms around his neck and leaned into his shoulder. Harry put his arms around her waist and they swayed in time to the relaxing music.
Ron watched Harry and his sister slow dancing and felt a rush of jealousy. Ginny seemed to fit next to Harry; they looked so right together.
Hermione shifted and coughed uncomfortably and Ron's stomach plunged—he wanted so desperately to ask her to dance, but what if she said no?
"Go on, Ronniekins." Fred and George were suddenly by his side, whispering in his ear.
"You know you want to."
"What's stopping you?"
"She wants you—"
"Bloody hell, go away!" Ron exclaimed at them. They backed away, mocking hurt. Ron turned his back on them to find Hermione looking amused.
"Um, Hermione?" Ron stuttered, making up his mind on the spot and instantly regretting it.
She turned to face him, all traces of amusement gone from her features, to be replaced with a look of questioning and—was it possible?—hope…
"Would…would you like to d-dance? With—with me?" There, he had said it.
She smiled. "Of course."
Ron let out the breath that he'd been holding in and nervously led her to the dance floor. When they got there, Ron just look uncomfortable for a moment before Hermione placed her hands tentatively on his shoulders and looked into his eyes. Then he carefully slipped an arm around her waist and drew him to her. She melted in his embrace and rested her head on his chest. They seemed to soak up each other's pain, relaxing them and soothing them. After a while Hermione leaned up and whispered in his ear, "Thank you."
Ron smiled at her. They danced for another hour like that, completely ignoring Ginny and Harry's smirking.
They were the last ones to leave the dance floor. When Bill finally decided he'd had enough, he got up and stood beside Harry and Ginny, who were still slow dancing.
"Paws off my sister, Harry, mate," he'd growled. Harry had jumped and somehow managed to melt away to a corner of the room. Ginny glared at Bill, before hurrying after Harry. Ron and Hermione, suddenly realizing that they were now the center of attention, sprang apart and rushed off the dance floor, avoiding contact and blushing furiously, much to the amusement of everybody else.
"Thank you all for coming," Fleur said graciously. "I am very glad I 'ad a chance to-to—" she broke off and a tear rolled down her perfect cheek. Bill quickly enveloped his wife in a hug while she collected herself. When she broke away from him, she wiped her tears and smiled in a watery way.
"Eet 'as been a wonderful evening," she said. "I theenk that this 'as been profitable for all of us."
"Yes," Remus agreed. "It was great to see everybody so happy."
"But now—now it is time for bed," Mrs. Weasley choked. "And…some of you may wish to say your…your goodbyes now…it's an early start tomorrow morning."
Later, when Ron and Harry had finally crashed onto their beds in Ron's room, Ron lay awake, staring at the ceiling, head whirling in thought. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Ginny crept in. Harry sat up, and relaxed visibly in the moonlight. Ron jumped out of bed as Ginny padded into the room.
"What d'you think you're—" Ron began, then cut off as he saw his sister's glistening eyes.
"Please, Ron," she said brokenly. "I need to be with Harry, I need to…"
"I promise you nothing will happen, Ron, mate," Harry said quietly from behind him. "She—I'll miss her so much, Ron, you don't know—"
"All right, I'm sorry…I'll find somewhere else to sleep." Ron tried to smile. He picked up his pillow, yanked off his comforters, and dragged them outside. Harry called, "Thanks, mate" after him quietly before he closed the door behind him.
Ron crept into the hall. Where could he sleep? Then it hit him—Ginny had left her bed…he could sleep there. The trick was to get in there without waking Hermione.
He opened the door painfully slowly. Looking inside, he could see the silhouette of Hermione, her side lightly rising and falling to the rhythm of sleep. So far, so good. He slipped inside and skirted towards Ginny's bed. Just as he was climbing in, his foot found a loose floorboard, making an ominous creaking sound. Hermione shifted and Ron saw her eyes open.
"Ginny? Is that you?" she asked sleepily.
"No, Hermione, it's Ron," Ron called softly. She said up groggily and stared at him.
"Ron? What are you doing here?"
"Ginny needed to be with Harry, so…I needed a place to sleep…I'm sorry that I woke you."
She smiled weakly. "It's okay. I know…I'm actually glad you came. I—You know how I said earlier that I just needed support? There's something about…well, something that you do comforts me, you know? I feel safe when I'm around you."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," he said, very quietly.
"I'd talk with you more, but we probably should get to sleep." Hermione laid her head back on her pillow.
"I know. Good night, Hermione."
"Good night, Ron."
Silence…
"Hermione?"
"Yes?"
"I'm here for you. Always."
"Thanks."
I need sleep, too…it's nine-thirty, and I have two stinky science projects to do, a math test, and a social assignment. It's very stressful, and to top things off I got a migraine yesterday. So, I apologize if this chapter had some holes in it, I really did want to finish it off so that I could start planning the next one. My brain just works that way.
Featherfinger-Yes, you were in it! I am going to expand your character in the last chapter or so…look for her!
Sarah-Ah, another devoted reader! You are my only faithful anonymous reviewer! I'm very grateful to you.
Freakyfinger-Hope this chapter cleared it up…
Kamiangel-Thanks! Your comments and support keep me going! Ron's not through on the stretch rack…